The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation said it was still unclear how severe the Omicron strain was, but there was some evidence to show that bringing boosters forward increased antibody levels substantially and provided earlier protection against the new variant.
The Federal Government will launch a booster campaign in the lead-up to Christmas after a further 1.5 million people became eligible for booster doses on Sunday.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said data from Israel showed boosters supported reductions in the rate of infection in eligible age groups, severe disease in those aged over 40 years and deaths in those over 60 years.
Australian Medical Association of WA president Mark Duncan-Smith welcomed state and federal advertising campaigns highlighting the importance and timing of boosters.
David Honey says the State Government must do more to encourage people to have their booster shot. Credit:Peter de Kruijff
“Boosters are extremely important, as we have seen major outbreaks in Israel with high initial vaccination rates for example, due to waning immunity,” he said.
“Omicron may make this even more important.
“Scientific evidence shows overwhelming support for boosters taking protection from 84 per cent to 94 per cent, and there are some suggestions it may help prevent transmission.”
Dr Duncan-Smith called on the state and federal governments to better coordinate, collaborate and communicate.
A State Government spokesperson said the WA Liberals had continued to undermine the vaccination program over the past two years as well as important communication and informational programs.
“The Federal Government is the lead for the vaccination rollout including third doses however as it has been throughout the pandemic the State Government has supported the roll-out heavily and also taken on more than its responsibility to get vaccine levels up,” the spokesperson said.
“Information about third doses is already part of WA’s public information campaigns and the State Government will be increasing this in the new year to supplement the Federal Government’s campaign, which is expected to run in January to coincide with when a larger proportion of Australians will be eligible for their third dose.
“Staying the course and getting the recommended doses of the vaccine is crucial in combating the pandemic and reduces the severity of this virus – which is even more prominent with the Omicron variant.”
From Monday morning, booster vaccines will be available from WA state-based centres if it is five months since an individual’s second dose.
If an individual has had AstraZeneca as their first and second dose, the third dose is recommended to be a mRNA vaccine to give better coverage for Delta.
‘WA sitting on a COVID vaccine timebomb’ warns Opposition leader
Source: Philippines Alive
